The holidays are often described as the most wonderful time of the year, a season filled with warmth, family, and gratitude. But for inmates in New Jersey prisons and their loved ones, the season can bring a mixture of emotions, longing, reflection, and hope.
At NJ Corrections Bookstore, we believe reading is more than a pastime. It’s a powerful source of strength and renewal, especially during the holidays. For over 30 years, we’ve helped families send inmate-approved books across all New Jersey correctional facilities, safely, compliantly, and with care.
This holiday season, send the gift of peace and purpose with a book that brings comfort, hope, and healing.
Why Reading Matters During the Holidays in Prison
While most people celebrate Christmas surrounded by loved ones, many inmates spend the season reflecting on life, family, and the path ahead. Reading becomes a meaningful way to cope with loneliness and reconnect with purpose.
Here’s why books are one of the most powerful holiday gifts you can send to an inmate in New Jersey:
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They provide comfort and escape. Books allow inmates to mentally step outside their environment and find peace in stories and inspiration.
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They foster connection. A book chosen with love reminds inmates that they’re remembered and valued by family and friends.
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They encourage personal growth. Educational and spiritual titles promote learning, self-improvement, and reflection.
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They nurture faith and hope. Books centered on redemption, spirituality, or resilience help inmates focus on positive change.
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They’re DOC-approved. When sent through NJ Corrections Bookstore, books arrive safely and fully compliant with New Jersey DOC regulations.
Books That Bring Comfort: Top Holiday Reads for NJ Inmates
Below are some of the most recommended holiday inmate-approved books, titles that bring comfort, hope, and wisdom to readers behind bars. Each book is available through NJ Corrections Bookstore, ensuring your gift meets DOC mailing standards.
1. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
One of the most beloved spiritual books of all time, The Purpose Driven Life guides readers through a 40-day journey to discovering their God-given purpose.
Why It Brings Comfort:
This book helps inmates reflect on life, faith, and meaning, providing structure, peace, and hope. During the holiday season, its lessons remind readers that they are not forgotten and that their lives still hold divine value.
2. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
Viktor Frankl’s memoir is both heartbreaking and inspiring. As a Holocaust survivor, Frankl shares how finding meaning in suffering can bring strength, even in the darkest moments.
Why It Brings Comfort:
Inmates often find deep connection with Frankl’s insights on resilience. It’s a story of endurance, purpose, and faith, perfect for Christmas reflection and renewal.
3. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Ruiz’s modern classic teaches four life principles to find freedom and happiness: Be impeccable with your word, don’t take things personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best.
Why It Brings Comfort:
This book empowers inmates to take control of their thoughts and emotions. Its message of forgiveness and mindfulness helps replace anger and regret with peace and clarity, a perfect message for the holidays.
4. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
A guide to personal success and self-discipline, Covey’s bestseller helps readers form lasting habits that lead to fulfillment and growth.
Why It Brings Comfort:
This book inspires positive change. It reminds inmates that while they may not control their surroundings, they can control their choices, actions, and attitude, setting them up for success after release.
5. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
A moving story about a young shepherd’s journey to follow his dreams and find treasure, The Alchemist is a universal tale of hope and purpose.
Why It Brings Comfort:
It’s one of the most heartwarming books to send for Christmas. Coelho’s poetic storytelling reminds readers that every journey, no matter how difficult, leads to self-discovery.
6. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Brené Brown explores how embracing vulnerability and self-acceptance leads to joy and courage.
Why It Brings Comfort:
Inmates often wrestle with guilt and shame. This book offers healing and self-compassion, teaching that imperfection doesn’t mean failure, it means being human.
7. The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu
Two spiritual icons share wisdom on how to find lasting happiness despite life’s hardships.
Why It Brings Comfort:
Their insights on forgiveness, gratitude, and love resonate deeply during the holidays. It’s a joyful, uplifting reminder that inner peace can exist even in confinement.
8. Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
This moving memoir tells the story of a lawyer’s fight for justice and humanity in the criminal justice system.
Why It Brings Comfort:
Inmates connect to its message of mercy, compassion, and change. It gives hope that redemption is possible, both within individuals and within society.
9. As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
A short, timeless book that explores how thoughts shape life and destiny.
Why It Brings Comfort:
It’s an empowering reminder that even in restriction, the mind remains free. This book encourages inmates to focus on positivity and create their own peace.
10. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
Mandela’s autobiography chronicles his fight for justice, his time in prison, and his journey to forgiveness and leadership.
Why It Brings Comfort:
Mandela’s resilience inspires inmates to keep faith through hardship. His story embodies the spirit of endurance and reconciliation, true themes of Christmas.
How to Send Books to Inmates in New Jersey
The New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJ DOC) only allows new paperback books sent directly from approved vendors. That’s why ordering through NJ Corrections Bookstore is the safest, easiest way to send holiday gifts to your loved one.
Here’s how it works:
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Visit NJ Corrections Bookstore.
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Browse our wide selection of inmate-approved books.
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Add your chosen titles to the cart.
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Enter the inmate’s full name, ID number, and correctional facility address.
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Place your order, and we’ll take care of the rest.
We handle all compliance and packaging, so your books arrive safely and on time for Christmas.
About NJ Corrections Bookstore: 30 Years of Trusted Service
For over three decades, NJ Corrections Bookstore has been helping families send approved books, magazines, and newspapers to inmates across New Jersey.
As a NJ DOC-approved vendor, we ensure every order is compliant with facility standards, giving families peace of mind and inmates the gift of learning and hope.
Why Families Choose Us:
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30+ years of experience serving New Jersey correctional facilities.
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Fully NJ DOC-approved vendor.
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We manage everything, packaging, compliance, and delivery.
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Curated selection of spiritual, motivational, and educational books.
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Dedicated to connecting families through reading and rehabilitation.
When you order with us, you’re not just sending books, you’re sending encouragement, love, and hope.
Serving Correctional Facilities Across New Jersey
We proudly deliver to all NJ DOC correctional facilities, including:
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Bayside State Prison
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East Jersey State Prison
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Northern State Prison
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South Woods State Prison
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Garden State Youth Correctional Facility
Whether your loved one is in Trenton, Newark, Camden, or Jersey City, NJ Corrections Bookstore ensures safe, approved delivery of every holiday order.
Contact Us
- Phone: 201.559.0592
- Email: info@njcorrectionsbookstore.com
- Website: https://www.njcorrectionsbookstore.com
We make it easy to send Christmas books and holiday gifts to inmates in New Jersey, safe, compliant, and full of meaning.
Final Thoughts
The holidays are about love, grace, and redemption, and no gift reflects that better than a good book. For inmates, reading offers comfort, clarity, and hope when they need it most.
At NJ Corrections Bookstore, we’ve spent over 30 years helping families keep that connection alive through the power of reading. Whether your loved one needs faith, motivation, or simply a story that inspires, the right book can make their Christmas brighter.
This season, send more than just a gift, send comfort, courage, and the reminder that no matter the distance, love still reaches behind bars.